Senior Directory sat down with Dr. Aaron Bebee, DC of Alternative Chiropractic Center to learn more about chiropractic care and the role it plays in senior healthcare.   WATCH VIDEO ABOVE OR READ ARTICLE BELOW.

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is the removal of interferences in the nervous system by repositioning bones in the spine.   Certain stressors in our lives, whether physical, chemical or emotional, can cause the bones in our spine to shift and misalign.  These misalignment are referred to as subluxations.  The purpose of chiropractic care is to treat these subluxations by restoring the normal positioning of the bones in our spine, consequently allowing the nervous system to function as optimally as possible.   

Are there common medical conditions, or aches and pains, among senior citizens that chiropractic care can treat?

  • Postural Distortions
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Headaches
  • Low Energy
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Knee Pain
  • Osteoporosis
  • Arthritis (Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid)
  • Limited Range of Motion in the Spine and Extremities
  • Balance and Mobility

How long does it take for one to experience the benefit of chiropractic care?

Often senior patients will feel the benefits of chiropractic care from their very first treatment.  On the other hand, it took more than one day for the structure to deteriorate into the position that it’s in, and that’s why it usually takes more than one treatment for it to correct.  It’s the healing process, not the healing miracle!  As chiropractic care starts to restore and remove interferences in the nervous system, the patient will be able to regain function in the affected area.  It can be an ongoing process however it just all depends on the type and severity of the condition, as well as each individuals healing capacity.

Can chiropractic care treat various level of care among seniors?

Chiropractic care is used in both acute and chronic situations, and even for wellness care.  The goal is take a patient from the acute state (where they are in severe pain) into a pain-free state.  Once the acute injury is resolved we can begin remodeling and restoring function to the spine and also to other extremities, as well.  If there are any chronic conditions those issues would be addressed next.  Once both the acute and chronic conditions have been resolved, the goal would be to treat the patient for wellness care and regular maintenance in order to decrease the potential risk for future injuries and also increase overall function. 

Does Medicare pay for Chiropractic Care?

Medicare does cover the cost of chiropractic adjustments, to a certain extent.  Medicare won’t pay for maintenance adjustments, exams, or x-rays; however if you have any acute conditions they will pay for actual adjustment itself.  This is great for senior citizens because most seniors rely on Medicare to help with the cost of their healthcare expenses.  Furthermore, Medicare has found that chiropractic is a beneficial form of treatment for the management of lower back pain and many other conditions. 

 

Article and Video composed by Alex Milzer with Senior Directory, LLC.  Special thanks to Aaron Bebee with Alternative Chiropractic Center in Denver, Colorado.